Fibromyalgia Patient Information

People suffering from pain that seems to affect the entire body may be suffering from fibromyalgia, although they might have been unsuccessful in obtaining a definitive medical diagnosis.The condition can have a very negative effect on an individual's work and personal life. There are, however, ways that physicians can effectively treat fibromyalgia.

About

• Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain-related condition that affects more women than men. Because of its generalized symptoms, it is often misdiagnosed as another condition.

Causes

• Stress, physical or emotional trauma, or other diseases can cause an individual to develop fibromyalgia. It is also considered an inherited condition.

Risk Factors

• If an individual has a family history of fibromyalgia, he or she is at higher risk of having the condition. Women and middle-aged individuals are also at higher risk for fibromyalgia.

Symptoms

• The most prominent symptom of fibromyalgia is pain in muscles, tendons, and ligaments all over the body. Extreme fatigue and sleep disorders are also common symptoms of this condition.

Treatment

• Over-the-counter pain relievers as well as prescription pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications are effective ways physicians treat fibromyalgia. Physical therapy and counseling have also been shown to effectively treat this condition.